Hello, welcome to my home page. I'm very glad that you made it this far . . . and I hope that you'll stick around long enough to get to know just a little bit more about me and my life.
My Background
I was born on Long Island in the town of Franklin Square. My family moved to Syosset when I was 9 years old. I attended Syosset High School and graduated in 1963. College Years were spent at the State University of New York, College at Oneonta where I majored in economics. Over the years I have lived in various towns on Long Island, including Huntington, Bay Shore, Smithtown and presently Setauket.
My Interests
I guess that the best - and fastest - way to really get to know me is by discovering what I like. So here goes . . . I love to play golf. Presently I'm an fifteen handicap at The Anthem Country Club in Las Vegas, my home course. I regularly travel in pursuit of various golf challenges. I prefer the southwest most, due to the dry climate, spectacular settings and friendly people.
And speaking of the west. Here's a picture of me, on the left, with my cousin John in Las Vegas. We were selected from the audience at the Cirque du Soleil as part of the act.
We just couldn't resist hamming it up after the show.
I have also enjoyed small aircraft general
aviation from time to time. I presently hold a Commercial Pilot's License
having acquired it at the age of 21 in a Piper J3 like this.
My experience has been with Piper, Cessnas, Beechcraft and Mooney aircraft.
After not flying for about 30 years, I recently set out to pursue my interest in flying by checking out at Metro Air, a general aviation FBO at Long Island Airport. I was stunned to realize you don't forget a single thing. Perhaps it is the intensity of the original experience or the love of flying that keeps this information available in one's recall.
On Sept. 26, 1997, I completed my Bi-Annual Review for my commercial pilot's license. When the instructor, Dan Sabatino, posted my log book it was interesting to note that I had passed the commercial pilot's test on the same day Sept. 26, in 1966. What coincidence!
Currently, I am regularly renting a Piper Archer (N2112K) like
this one. This experience has been so thrilling. I can't believe after almost 30
years I'm
back flying again.
Some of the more exotic flights include travel to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA. in a M20F Mooney. An early summer flight to Provincetown, on Cape Cod. Travel to Harrisonburg, VA. to attend freshman orientation at James Madison University for Jill, my wife Lori's daughter.
New November 9th, 1998. I've taken an accelerated course in Las Vegas for 10 days to get my Instrument Pilot's License. This rating will allow me to fly in all weather including in the clouds!
And as of November 9th, I am an Instrument Pilot!!! I passed the check ride.
Recent great flights include a visit to my friend Ruth Edwards. This involved a flight from Spruce Creek, Fla. to Witham Field, Fla. On the return trip I filed a IFR flight plan which allowed Lori and I to fly through the clouds. What an experience! It was my first time in the clouds. (I should say near the clouds as we were brushing in and out of the cloud tops.)
My second filed IFR flight was to Martha's Vineyard with my friend Fred Wolf. We never saw a cloud, but I'm still looking forward to the experience of being totally in the clouds.
Finally, I have made that first flight into the clouds, called IMC conditions. On a windy, foggy afternoon I went out to ISP airport and rented the Piper 180 with a Flight Instructor. We took off in one mile visibility and 400 foot ceilings. That's tough conditions. We used the Instrument Landing system to land after being totally in the clouds for about one hour. It was one of the most exciting things I have ever experienced. But I still have to do this alone!!
 One of my favorite
stops is a 45 minute flight to Hadaam, Ct. to the Goodspeed Airport and the Goodspeed Playhouse. Pictured on the right.
While there you will want to eat at the Gelston House Restaurant. Take a look at their URL. |
My first flying experiences lead me to boating. (They are quite similar) For ten years I owned a 25' Catalina sailboat. I sailed it on the south shore of Long Island. Points of call ranged from Kismet to Barrett Beach.
Most recently, I have pursued my hobby, computing. For me the IBM ThinkPad X40 a 2.7 pound miracle of technology, 1.2 Ghz, 40 gig drive, is my constant companion. I can take it with me anywhere. It is ready first thing in the morning and can be used up until its time to turn in.
Send me a note if you get here. I would really appreciate it. Click here to send email.
This page last updated on Friday, March 17, 2006.
